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Botany

Helpful for

Traditional use

How it works

Amount to take

Side effects & interactions

References

Parts used and where grown

Eleuthero belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a distant relative of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Also
known commonly as touch-me-not and devil’s shrub, eleuthero has been most frequently
nicknamed Siberian ginseng in this country. Eleuthero is native to the Taiga region of the Far
East (southeastern part of Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan). The root and the
rhizomes (underground stem) are used medicinally.

Eleuthero has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Athletic
performance

Fatigue

Immune function

Stress

Breast cancer

Chronic fatigue
syndrome

Common cold/sore
throat

Diabetes

HIV support

Infection

Influenza

Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Although not as popular as Asian ginseng,
eleuthero use dates back 2,000 years, according to Chinese medicine records. Referred to as ci
wu jia in Chinese medicine, it was used to prevent respiratory tract infections, colds and
flu. It was also believed to provide energy and vitality. In Russia, eleuthero was
originally used by people in the Siberian Taiga region to increase performance and quality of
life and to decrease infections.

In more modern times, eleuthero has been used to increase stamina and endurance in Soviet
Olympic athletes. Russian explorers, divers, sailors, and miners also used eleuthero to
prevent stress-related illness. After the Chernobyl accident, many Russian and Ukrainian
citizens were given eleuthero to counteract the effects of radiation.

Active constituents

The constituents in eleuthero that have been most studied are the
eleutherosides.1 Seven primary eleutherosides have been identified, with most of
the research attention focusing on eleutherosides B and E.2 Eleuthero also contains
complex polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules).3 These constituents may play a
critical role in eleuthero’s ability to support immune function.

Eleuthero is an “adaptogen” (an agent that helps the body adapt to stress). It
is thought to help support adrenal gland function when the body is challenged by
stress.4

Eleuthero has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the
letdown that comes with caffeinated products.5 Research has shown that eleuthero
improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle.6 This means that a person is
able to maintain aerobic exercise longer and
recover from workouts more quickly. Preliminary research from Russia indicates it may be
effective for this purpose.7 Other trials have been inconclusive8 or
have shown no beneficial effect.9

Eleuthero may also support the body by helping the liver detoxify harmful toxins. It has
shown a protective action in animal studies against chemicals such as ethanol, sodium
barbital, tetanus toxoid, and chemotherapeutic agents.10 According to a test tube
study eleuthero also helps protect the body during radiation exposure.11
Preliminary research in Russia has suggested that eleuthero may help alleviate side effects
and help the bone marrow recover more quickly in people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.12

Eleuthero may be useful as a preventive measure during the cold and
flu season. However, it has not yet been specifically studied for this purpose.
Preliminary evidence also suggests that eleuthero may prove valuable in the long-term
management of various diseases of the immune system, including HIV infection and chronic fatigue syndrome. Healthy people taking 2
teaspoons (10 ml) of tincture three times daily have been shown to have increased numbers of
the immune cells (T4 lymphocytes) that have been found to decrease during HIV-infection and
AIDS.13 Further human clinical trials are needed to confirm that eleuthero may be
helpful for this disease.

How much is usually taken?

Dried, powdered root and rhizomes, 2–3 grams per day, are commonly used.14
Alternatively, 300–400 mg per day of concentrated solid extract standardized on
eleutherosides B and E can be used, as can alcohol-based extracts, 8–10 ml in two to
three divided dosages. Historically, eleuthero is taken continuously for six to eight weeks,
followed by a one- to two-week break before resuming.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Reported side effects have been minimal with use of eleuthero.15 Mild, transient
diarrhea has been reported in a very small
number of users. Eleuthero may cause insomnia
in some people if taken too close to bedtime. Eleuthero is not recommended for people with
uncontrolled high blood pressure. There are no
known reasons to avoid eleuthero during
pregnancy and breast-feeding. However, pregnant or breast-feeding women should be aware
that some products may be adulterated with herbs that should not be taken in
pregnancy, such as Asian ginseng. Only
eleuthero from a trusted source should be used.

In one case report, a person taking eleuthero with digoxin developed dangerously high serum digoxin
levels.16 Although a clear relationship could not be established, it is wise for
someone taking digoxin to seek the advise of a doctor before taking eleuthero.

Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with eleuthero. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

References(To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)

The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

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